The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it's requiring automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with a free online tool that will enable them to search recall information by their vehicle identification number.

"Owners and potential buyers alike will now be able to identify whether a safety recall affects their vehicle, using the NHTSA's free online search at SaferCar.gov," said Sanettria Pleasant, director of the Louisiana Attorney General's Public Protection Division. "This is extremely important for consumer safety and purchasing decisions."

With the new VIN search feature, consumers will be able to tell whether a specific vehicle is subject to a recall and whether the vehicle has been appropriately serviced.